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Top-50 firm acknowledged for leading change in the accounting profession

SAN FRANCISCO–BPM LLP, one of the 50 largest public accounting and advisory firms in the country, has won the 2018 Leading Edge Alliance (LEA) award for Innovative Firm of the Year. The recognition was announced at this year’s LEA Global Conference in San Diego and honors the LEA member firm that embodies the term “innovation” in several aspects of its operation and service delivery. Firms across the country and around the globe use LEA’s winning programs as models for their own programs.

“This award reflects our commitment to fostering a culture of change and innovation – a culture that enables us to provide new opportunities for our people and clients,” said BPM CEO Jim Wallace. “We promote an environment where change is the expectation. We are dedicated to being nimble in order to shape our future in a rapidly changing environment.”

BPM was an early adopter in recognizing that blockchain technology presents a new frontier of openness, decentralization and globalization, and that as cryptocurrencies become more mainstream, the need to understand blockchain is inevitable. In 2013, the Firm launched its Blockchain and Digital Assets practice, and today, BPM represents nearly 20 percent of the companies on Forbes’ FinTech 50 list.

In addition, BPM implemented a system of institutionalizing and normalizing innovation across all areas of the company, recognizing that innovation can be incremental rather than groundbreaking. Last year, the company launched an “Innovation Challenge,” aimed at inculcating innovation as a sustainable part of its culture. The program’s pilot phase, which ended in June, generated 228 ideas from approximately 25 percent of its workforce.

BPM was also recognized for its creativity and advancement in its leadership programs. Launched in 2017, BPM’s “NextGen” is a sustainable leadership program that identifies leaders at the Firm early in their career. The program provides in-depth training and education designed to ensure associates are ready for the responsibilities that come with partnership.

“BPM has had a long and successful history of pioneering, inclusion, and profitability,” commented LEA President Karen Kehl-Rose. “In its market, in LEA, and nationwide, BPM is known for its entrepreneurial and creative culture.”

Adding to the Firm’s list of accolades, BPM’s CEO Jim Wallace was also recently recognized as one of the Most Admired CEOs in the Bay Area by the San Francisco Business Times.

About BPM LLP

BPM LLP is one of the 50 largest public accounting and advisory firms in the country. With six offices across the San Francisco Bay Area – as well as offices in India, Oregon, Hong Kong, the Cayman Islands, and now Orange County – we help clients succeed around the world. We offer a cross-functional team approach that gives clients direct access to the best and most qualified resources. To learn more, visit us at bpmcpa.com

About LEA

Founded in 1999, LEA Global is the second largest international association in the world, creating a high-quality alliance of 226 firms focused on accounting, financial and business advisory services. LEA Global firms operate from 620 offices in 110 countries, giving clients of LEA Global firms access to the knowledge, skills and experience of more than 2,300 partners and 23,000 staff members. LEA Global firms’ unique alliance enables them to maintain their independence while working together to provide the ultimate in client service and providing valuable access to understand the cultural and commercial norms across the globe.